The innovative project has seen 7 companies work together to create the Revolution VLR which is now complete. The companies have each brought different areas of expertise into the project to create the first of a kind demonstrator which is intended to bring improved services to branch lines and working well with the re-opening of disused lines and network extensions.
The Revolution VLR is intended to be a high quality, affordable and sustainable solution that will facilitate the network as it grows.
The game-changing technology of the Revolution VLR sees a body shell that is made from recycled carbon fibre and also uses a modular design powered by an efficient hybrid diesel-electric powertrain which is adapted from automotive engine technology and is able to reach a maximum speed of 65mph.
The high tech vehicle also has a lithium titanate battery pack which gives zero-emissions operation in stations and also built-up areas, this facility also comes into play when travelling at speeds of up to 20mph. The Demonstrator has an internal layout that will allow for 56 seated passengers.
Now that the Revolution VLR is complete it can begin a series of validation tests which will be carried out at the Quinton Rail Technology Centre in Long Marston, once the tests are complete they will be re-sited to Ironbridge which is a rail connected location, ready for its launch.
Demonstrations to possible sponsors and operators will begin in October 2021.
Tim Burleigh, Head of External Relations Eversholt Rail said: “This marks a major milestone for us and is the result of excellent teamwork by everyone involved. Revolution VLR's design and performance characteristics make it an attractive and sustainable rolling stock solution for many of the line re-openings being proposed through the ‘Restoring Your Railway' programme. It is highly cost-effective, which will assist scheme sponsors in developing compelling business cases against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging economic environment.”
Darren Smith, Head of Transport Design International (TDI) said: ”Revolution VLR is the culmination of significant hard work and commitment for all involved and TDI are immensely proud to have led the consortium which has delivered this ground-breaking vehicle. TDI is at the forefront of developments in Very Light Rail and specialists in utilising light weighting technologies within the rail industry. Our team of designers and engineers have combined the latest developments from the automotive and rail sectors to produce this first of a kind demonstrator vehicle, and we are hugely excited about the future of Revolution VLR as a genuine game-changer within the rail industry. Congratulations must go to everyone who has been involved in bringing this project to life”.
Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris said: “This Government has invested £3.25 million in innovative designs like this one, underlining our commitment to modernising trains and expanding our rail network, offering left-behind communities the chance to restore their railway connections.
“Our railways also have a vital part to play in achieving our net zero ambitions, and these zero emission carriages have the potential to make our network cleaner and greener.”
Luisa Moisio, Head of Research and Development RSSB said: “RSSB is proud to be part of the consortium which initiated the development of the Revolution VLR to combine the best of state-of-the-art technology from both rail and automotive sectors to offer a significantly cheaper and lower emission solution for branch lines. We are excited about the Revolution VLR demonstrator vehicle's fast progress toward launch later this year. This is proof of the great innovation that can and will take place when boundaries are pushed, radical ideas are encouraged and adequately supported, and strong collaborations across transport sector are established and fostered.”
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Severn Lamb have built a similar prototype. I guess there will now be a battle to establish who gets the business.
This new LRV (Light Rail Vehicle) stocks could be ideal to run on the branch lines in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Dorset and Bristol and to reopen the Portishead line to Portishead. And even to run them in the East Midlands, North of Scotland, Northern England, Wales and Southeast England including on the Marshlink line, Uckfield line and North Downs Line.